OVERVIEW

Indochina Odyssey

With 15 day tour, you will have oppotunities to explore the highlights of Indochina including World Heritages, local life, culture, history and beautiful landscapes. The trip starts from Hanoi, Vietnam and ends in Luang Prabang, Laos

Upon arriving in Hanoi, our driver will personally meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is time at leisure.
Hanoi street food tour
Highlights:

Sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do - on the street

Stroll through hidden alleyways and bustling markets of Hanoi’s charming old quarter

Learn more about Hanoi’s unique food culture

Try local specialties with influences from French and Chinese cuisine

Take in a spectacular night view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret café

Detailed itinerary:
We start our evening Hanoi street food tour at the city’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan. Along the perimeter of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell a staggering variety of produce from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices.

Your expert English-speaking local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. We eat as we go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart. We try Hanoi Bia Hoi - Hanoi Draught Beer at a fascinating corner of the old quarter
Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, we wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago.
Our next two snack stops on our Hanoi street food tour are at a good-to-the-last-drop Pho – Noodle Soup with chicken Or Bun Cha Hanoi.
Now, it's time for dessert as we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this specialty is one not to be missed!
Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that we will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city centre below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits!
At the end of our Hanoi tour you can be free to continue discovering the old quarter on your own or your tour guide will show you direction to go back to your hote.

Day 02

Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi city tour's highlights

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
8.30am, meet our tour guide at your hotel lobby. Today, we will visit Ho Chi Minh Complex that includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace,House-on-Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda. After that we will visit the Temple of Literature that was originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first University dating back to 1070. The temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society place then and now on education.
Have lunch at a nice restaurant.
After lunch, we continue our trip to visit Museum of Ethnology: This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the ground. Then, we back to the center of Hanoi to visit Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake: The Ngoc Son temple is set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the The Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams’. The Hoan Kiem Lake is the local point of the city and the source of many legends.
45 minute- Cyclo Tour through the Old Quarter: Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36s names’ was related to the products being sold there. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities. Before back to your hotel, you will enjoy water puppet show at Thang Long Theartre.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 03

Hanoi - Drive To Ha Long Bay For Overnight On Cruise

Exloring Halong Bay

Accommodation: Overnight on boat

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we will depart for Halong Bay – designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 1994. Travelling through the scenic fertile Red River Delta countryside, we get to Ha Long Bay by noon. The natural world heritage site Halong Bay is truly one of the most impressive scenery that should not be missed if someone ever comes to the north. Upon arrival at Ha Long, we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting hour’s cruise passing by the evocatively shaped islets will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands and islets rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Enjoy a Sea food lunch while you cruising through the bay. Here the limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches. You then explore the Surprising Sung Sot cave which still reserves much of the amazing original stalactites and stalagmites. By summer, there is always some chance to leisurely swim in a secluded cove of the bay. Dinner will be served on board and stay overnight on the cruise

Day 04

Halong Bay - Hanoi

Cave visiting

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

We will wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and relax. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Then we explore Luon cave, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will be served. Check out and arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, our private car with tour guide will transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi.

Day 05

Hanoi - Drive To Airport For Flight To Danang - Hoian City Tour

Enjoy walking tour in Hoi An town

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Having breakfast at your hotel before our guide escorts you to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Hoi An ancient town. Having lunch and check in hotel before enjoy enjoy a walking tour in Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge.
Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, being collected from your hotel, a short bicycle competency test will be given. For those uncomfortable with a pushbike, then other methods of transport can be arranged. The tour starts by cycling along level ground to the Thu Bon River to visit a local fishing village. Ride along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalo.... Biking along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers.

9:00 Take a short break in a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying 1.5 hours ride on traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and spend your time to catch fishes and “purple crabs” in the Canal. 10:30 Continue to drive to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetable are produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today.

11:30 Visit a local family and after a short, informative and fun cooking lesson, we sit down for a delicious lunch. After lunch, we come back your hotel. The rest of day is your free time at leisure.

Day 07

Hoi An - Danang Airport- Fly To Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast is served at your hotel. Afternoon, our driver will transfer you to Da Nang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival, our tour guide will pick up and transfer you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh. Check in and relax. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 08

Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Explore Ho Chi Minh city's highlights and Cu Chi tunnels

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

8:00 Am, meet Asia Top Travel tour guide at your hotel lobby and depart for driving through pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi. We then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels where the Vietnamese could escape bombings, hide from enemy, and mount surprise attacks. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After lunch in Cu Chi, we head back to Saigon and take city tour a half day.

After lunch, we head back to Ho Chi Minh city and take city tour a half day. We start by looking at the Notre Dame Cathedral that was built between 1877 and 1883. This is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Nearby is the Old Post Office that is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

Then, we move on to see the outside of Reunification Palace. This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. After that, we continue to visit War Remnants Museum - Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Visit Jade Emperor pagoda before coming back to hotel in the late afternoon, dinner is on your arrangement.

Day 09

Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Evening Flight To Siem Reap

Day trip to Mekong Delta

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

8.00am, meet our tour guide in your hotel lobby and we transfer through Mekong Delta to Ben Tre.
On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier (Bến Tre town). Take a boat on Ben Tre river – one of tributaries of Mekong river, sight-seeing lively activities along river as fishing,water transfering……. Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in handy traditional style by printing and baking. Visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along Cai Son canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to Nhon Thanh village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleepmats and enjoying some fruits.
Take a tuk tuk or ride on shady paths, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on realy life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon - Take rowing-boat along water palm creek and boat along Cai Coi creek back to Hung Vuong Pier. We go ahead toTan Son Nhat airport for the evening flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival Siem Reap, you will be escorted to hotel for check in. Dinner today is on your own arrangement.

Day 10

Angkor Temples Tour

Visit Angkor Temples

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Breakfast at hotel: start your sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. Afternoon, we visit the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 11

Siem Reap - Kulen Mountain - Banteay Srei Temple

Visit Kulen Mountain and Banteay Srei Temple

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, we start our tour to countryside on road to Phnom Kulen Mountain. First stage challenging climb up hill 12km to the waterfalls, this is a nice trail on Kulen mountain, taking us to a special stream with thousands lingas in the water. Enjoy swim at the waterfalls & relax. Enjoy lunch break at the waterfalls. On the way back we visit the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12

Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake – Luang Prabang

Visit Tonle Sap Lake and fly to Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Breakfast is at the hotel, we take wooden boat to visit the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see fishermen, floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the village move from place to place following the water levers. Then continue to visit Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor" which provides training to young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting. Then transfer to airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival Luang Prabang, you will be transfer to hotel for check in. Dinner is on your own arrangement.

Day 13

Luang Prabang City Tour - Pak Ou Caves

Visit the highlights of Luang Prabang and Pak Ou Cave

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Today set off your exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace also known as the National Museum to learn more about the long-lasting history and culture of the region.
Afterwards, transfer to the pier and take a long-tailed boat for an upstream cruise. During the cruise, you will be treated a stunning of nature along the river. From the distance you can see limestone cliffs where the hidden Pak Ou Caves are located. The cave is home to thousands of Buddha statues which make the region a revered one. Take your time to explore numerous images hidden in the cave.
Then, make your way back to the city. En-route, stop to visit Ban Xang Hai village to learn more about the making process of the traditional Lao rice whisky. It is a great chance to taste its unique flavor. Move onto Ban Xang Khong village- famous for its wood paper and Lao silk weaving.
Afterwards, we transfer back to hotel. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14

Kuang Sii - Luang Prabang City Tour

Visit Kuang Sii Waterfall

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

From the hotel, you will visit the morning Phousi Market is by far the biggest market in Luang Prabang. Three quarters of it is covered, there are several hundred merchants of all kinds proposing a large variety of products. You can find there vegetable gardeners as well as small stalls selling clothes (always in the Chinese style), merchants for health products, dried buffalo skin, local tea, school materials, hardware, etc.
Then we drive to Khuang Sii waterfall on a return journey of around 70km. The road is bordered by villages and rice fields. You will stop in some of these villages and relax at the waterfall. You can swim in the waterfall which scatters into many basins.
Return to Luang Prabang and continue exploring the old city on the left bank of the Mekong River. Previously a religious capital, Luang Prabang showcases more than 100 temples, considered amongst the most beautiful in Laos. Highlights include:Vat Xieng Thong or Temple of the Royal City- one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.Vat Senna - literally means "Temple of a 100 000 treasures" also one of the most beautiful temples of Luang Prabang

In the late afternoon, it’s time for sunset moment on the Phousi Mountain where you also can have a nice panorama of the city. Leaving here, on the way back to hotel, we will stop to visit the H’mong Night Market where you can find a lot of souvenirs in traditional style of Laos.
Transfer back to hotel. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15

Luang Prabang Departure

Fly back home

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

Today you enjoy last minutes in the city to go shopping or try a cup of Lao coffee before transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Room is at your disposal until 12:00 noon only. Meals on your own. End of services.